ONE in five women with acne says it makes them afraid to leave their homes, researchers claimed yesterday.

And seven out of 10 feel unattractive because of their spots, while more than half said it affected their relationships. Scottish firm Ambicare Health quizzed women aged 20 to 39 who have acne.

Ambicare’s principal scientist Dr Andrew McNeill said: “There is a common misconception that most people will have the condition in their teens. However, there is an increase in the number of women affected by acne in their twenties and thirties.

“The psychological impact of acne can be far-reaching and today’s findings indicate that many sufferers experience long-term negative effects.”